Blood sugar and cholesterol are two very important health indicators that we all need to take care of. And these become especially important to people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

That's where natural dietary agents like psyllium husk come into play. You may have heard of psyllium husks in terms of relieving constipation, but what you may not know is that they can significantly decreased blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

What are Psyllium Husks?

Psyllium husks are derived from an Indian shrub called Plantago ovata. They are soluble fibers that fuel healthy gut bacteria, boost digestion, and due to their large 10-30% mucilage, they are most commonly used as natural laxative to relieve constipation.

Like other soluble fibers, psyllium husks help move digestion along by wrapping the digested food in a gel-like coating. This coating makes breaking down and eliminating food a much easier task, which leaves you feeling lighter and more energetic.

Still, while digestive health benefits are great, you will be even more excited to learn about the blood sugar-stabilizing and cholesterol-lowering potential of these tiny husks.

How Psyllium Husks Work

The exact mechanism behind the glucose and cholesterol-lowering effects of psyllium husks has not been clearly identified. However, researchers suggest it is the high soluble fiber content of psyllium husk that may play a significant role in these outcomes.

Since psyllium produces a viscous gel-like substance, this slows the absorption of glucose from the small intestine. Additionally the fiber helps delay stomach emptying, which stalls carbohydrate digestion. And the fiber may also prevent carbohydrate from accessing certain digestive enzymes, which alters their metabolism.

In terms of blood sugar levels, all these functions help to promote more stable blood sugars, eliminate sudden spikes in glucose, and encourage lower A1C levels.

In terms of cholesterol, soluble fiber is thought to alter bile metabolism, which appears to deplete bile salt in the liver. As a consequence this alters cholesterol metabolism.

Fiber also influences gut bacteria and the production of short chain fatty acids (propionate) they produce. In turn this decreases cholesterol absorption and positively influences cholesterol metabolism.

Pysllium Husk for Blood Glucose, A1c and Insulin Sensitivity

When taken regularly, psyllium husk may be an effective, natural option for improving blood glucose levels.

When researchers gave diabetic patients, 5.1 g psyllium husks for 8 weeks, taken 20-30 minutes before the morning and breakfast meal, they found their fasting glucose levels reduced by 52.6 mg/dl (2.9 mmol/l) and they also had an average 1.6% reduction in A1c levels – pretty impressive results!

An earlier study also found similar results. When diabetic men were given 5.1 g of psyllium twice per day for a total of 8 weeks, they experienced improvements in all-day and lunch postprandial (post-meal) blood glucose levels, 11.0% lower compared to the placebo group.

In children and adolescents with altered carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, psyllium husk supplementation reduced their postprandial glucose levels between 12.2% to 20.2%.

A 2017 study in which people with type 2 diabetes were given 7 g of psyllium powder along with a moderate carbohydrate diet, found they had a significantly increase in insulin sensitivity, which is great news, because the more the body's cells can detect insulin, the easier it is for your body to regulate glucose.

Another study in type 2 diabetic patients from 2016, found that fasting blood sugar reduced by 43.6 mg/dl (2.4 mmol/l) and A1c reduced by 0.6%. In this study, people were given 7 g psyllium 15 minutes before lunch and 3.5 g 15 minutes before dinner.

Psyllium Husk for Lipids and Cholesterol

Research has also proven benefits of psyllium husk for aiding with cholesterol reduction.

One study found that taking 5.1 g of psyllium husks twice a day for 8 weeks, resulted in a reduction in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, an average 8.9% lower than the placebo group.

Another study discovered that supplementing psyllium (15 g/ day) alongside traditional cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) actually increases the drug’s effectiveness and may allow people to take a lower dose. People in the study taking 10 mg of statins and 15 g/day of psyllium, had the same outcome as those taking 20 mg of statins.

In patients with moderate hypercholesterolaemia, taking 3.4 g of psyllium at mealtimes 3 times per day reduced total cholesterol levels by 14.8%, LDL by 20.2% and the ratio of LDL/HDL by 14.8%.

When reviewers evaluated 8 clinical trials and the effect of psyllium husks on cholesterol levels, they concluded that 10.2 g psyllium per day reduced total cholesterol by 4.2%, LDL by 7% and lowered the ratio of LDL/HDL by 6%.

Side Effects of Psyllium

The possible side effects of psyllium are mild digestive discomfort and bloating. This is usually only temporary as your body gets used to the added fiber in your diet.

At the time of taking supplemented psyllium husk, you need to ensure you take sufficient water, as psyllium can swell in your throat and cause choking if you don't take it with enough liquid. Of course, this consequence is extreme but you need to be aware of it in any case.

As with any fiber supplement, or an increase in fiber intake of any kind, make sure to drink plenty of water (8 glasses per day).

Always check with your doctor if you are taking medications. And keep in mind it's best not to take prescription medications within an hour of taking psyllium.

Supplementing with Psyllium Husk

You can choose to supplement either whole psyllium husks or refined psyllium husk powder. You can purchase these in packets or canisters, and psyllium also comes in capsule form as well.

According to research, a safe and effective dose is approximately 5 g, up to 3 times per day.

To supplement it directly, mix psyllium husks with at least 8-ounce (250ml) of water and take 20-30 minutes before meals, morning and night if taking twice a day. After taking it, wash down with some additional water.

Using Psyllium in Cooking

Psyllium husks work perfectly in baked goods. Not only do they add blood sugar and cholesterol-lowering benefits, they help reduce carb content of your baked goods.

About Jedha: Nutritionist (MNutr, PhD Candidate)

As DMPs founder and leading nutritionist, Jedha is on a mission to empower the lives of people with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes by providing evidence-based nutrition and health education, along with practical tools and support to obtain better health. Jedha has a Masters in Human Nutrition and is currently completing a PhD. With a professional background in the health industry spanning more than 15 years, Jedha has authored hundreds of educational articles across print and online publications worldwide, has been published in the Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, and has helped transform the lives of thousands.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on the Diabetes Meal Plans websites is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be treated as medical advice and should not under any circumstances be used to replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Please consult a medical or health professional before you begin any nutrition, exercise, or supplementation program, or if you have specific questions about your health. If you choose to apply any information contained from any of the Diabetes Meal Plans websites, meal plans, menus or programs, you do so of your own free will and accord, knowingly and voluntarily, and assume any and all risks by doing so.